The Attorney General's Office of Justice of Mexico City (FGJCDMX) announced the execution of searches at both headquarters of the Fundación Casa de las Mercedes, as part of the investigations being conducted into crimes of aggravated rape and labor exploitation of girls and adolescents under the care of said institution.
Through a press release, the Prosecutor's Office informed that during the operations, which took place in properties located in the San Rafael neighborhood, Cuauhtémoc borough, and at Berriozábal 39 street, Venustiano Carranza borough, computer equipment and important documentation related to the minors' files and the personnel linked to the foundation were secured.
It detailed that the investigation plan includes conducting investigative interviews with the relocated girls and adolescents in a safe environment and with psychological accompaniment, to collect their testimonies in a specialized manner.
In this way, it seeks to determine whether the reported cases are isolated or correspond to a systematic pattern of abuse.
We will be exhaustive in the analysis of all the information gathered to identify the probable aggressors and those who have had knowledge or participation in the facts, without excluding anyone from the reach of the investigation.
This operation was carried out after a case of sexual abuse committed within the Casa de las Mercedes was reported, whose presumed responsible party is Aquiles “N”, son of the foundation's founder Claudia “N”, who has already been arrested and is facing a judicial process.
The accused's sister, Ángela “N”, the shelter's director, is also being investigated for alleged human trafficking linked to the labor exploitation of the minors.
Prior to the searches, 80 girls and adolescents were rescued and transferred to DIF Mexico City facilities for their protection and comprehensive care.
In its statement, the Prosecutor's Office, in coordination with DIF and the Secretariat of Welfare authorities, reaffirmed its commitment to guaranteeing the safety and access to justice for the victims.
